Built for a second life

The demanding nature of refuse collection puts vehicles through rigorous use. However, the quality and craftsmanship of Dennis Eagle refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) mean they can be refurbished to offer a valuable second life. We find out more from the team behind Dennis Eagle’s Approved Used vehicles and hear from repeat customer BWS Waste Management.

Choosing a Dennis Eagle Approved Used vehicle is a great option for customers seeking a reliable yet cost-effective RCV. Coming with the assurance of genuine parts, a full manufacturer safety check, CE compliance and Dennis Eagle warranty, only the highest quality vehicles leave our workshops to start a second life of service.

Phil Worthington, general manager of Dennis Eagle’s aftermarket division in The North, explains: “With our used vehicles, we catch an RCV at the end of its first life and give it a second. It’s possible to double the lifespan of a vehicle, keeping valuable resources in use for longer and providing a sustainable, cost-effective and durable option for customers.”

Long and reliable service

One such customer benefitting from our used vehicle offering is BWS Waste Management. The Leeds-based, family-run company has been in operation since 1982 and for the past nine years a refurbished Dennis Eagle RCV has been part of its fleet. Following its long and reliable service, the BWS team has recently taken delivery of its second refurbished RCV, an Elite 6.

“This is actually our third used vehicle from Dennis Eagle,” explains Roger Woodhead, managing director of BWS Waste Management. “While we didn’t have our first one refurbished, we did for the second – both had a long and reliable life. Our ‘new’ Elite 6 is now out on the road. My son, who is also our lead mechanic, has been driving it and is really impressed – particularly with the air suspension, which has made the ride all the more comfortable. Since we started working with Dennis Eagle, the after sales service provided by the team has been brilliant. If there’s ever anything we need help with, they put us back right on track.”

Used vehicles are acquired from existing customers and local authorities, with each refurbishment undertaken by Dennis Eagle’s highly trained technicians, typically with the support of teams in Aldridge, Croydon, Leeds or Manchester.

As with all Approved Used vehicles, the Elite 6 underwent a full service inspection to understand the work required to give it a second life. In fabrication, a major steel replacement package was needed, with the body floor, backplate, sweep plate, hopper floor and sides, along with the scraper plate, all replaced. The chassis then underwent repairs, with all wearing components replaced across the brakes, steering and suspension.

Genuine parts

“We only use genuine parts across our repairs and refurbishments,” explains Alan Holdsworth, workshop manager for Leeds and the North East. “This ensures long-term performance, with all new parts carrying a 12-month warranty for added peace-of-mind.”

Moving onto electrics, the body harnesses in the Elite 6 were replaced, with the body then reassembled with all new bushes, bearings and slide blocks. The hydraulic systems were also updated, replacing any hoses coming to the end of their life.

To update the exterior, it was shot-blasted to remove the old paintwork and repainted – inside and out – giving it a complete visual refresh. A brand-new Beta bin lift was fitted before a thorough road test, MOT, LOLER and pre-delivery inspections.

Bespoke rebuilds

“Each RCV refurbishment is tailored to suit a customer’s requirements and budget, with every truck undergoing a full safety check before becoming a Dennis Eagle Approved Used vehicle,” adds Alan. “The aim is to provide customers with a couple of years of maintenance-free running, after which it just needs the typical general maintenance and running repairs as required.”

Preparation of used vehicles take around three months depending on the level of work required, making it competitive both in delivery times and cost-effectiveness. All RCVs are EURO 6 compliant, with any retrofits or enhancements conforming to the regulatory requirements for their respective model years.

Phil adds: “We have a selection of used vehicles refurbished and available but can also provide this service to order if a customer is looking for something specific. Much of our work in this area is repeat business, which speaks volumes about the quality of our workmanship and service. We are delighted with the BWS team’s response to the vehicle and wish them many years ahead of reliable service with the ‘new’ Elite 6.”

For further information on DE Approved Used RCVs, get in touch via: contact.us@dennis-eagle.co.uk.